Intelsat JV with Hispasat for World Cup coverage

Madrid-based satellite operator Hispasat has formed a joint-venture with Intelsat to operate Hispasat’s Amazonas-1 satellite for the next two years in order to provide better coverage of the upcoming FIFA World Cup and Olympic Games in 2016.

Amazonas-1 has a fuel-supply problem which has trimmed its on-orbit lifetime from 15 years to nearer4 10 years. It now operates from 55.5 degrees West having been shifted from 36 degrees West earlier this year. Its new position gives the craft excellent coverage over Brazil, but also provides links back to Europe and Africa.

“Hispasat and Intelsat will cooperate at the orbital position, sharing orbital resources to expand services available for media and other customers in the region,” Hispasat said in a statement. Intelsat CCO Stephen Spengler added that the two companies are weighing “future opportunities in the region that will further strengthen our combined presence.”